"Whenever he's in the area he pops round to see if we're alright," said Leigh.

Simon Currey - Smoking Cow Gourmet BBQ Grill

Simon Currey likes the multicultural community in Cambridge

Simon Currey, 35, has been flipping his quality burgers on Cambridge market for over four years.

One of his favourite aspects of the area is the "multicultural dynamics" among its visitors, while one of the main improvements he would make would be to have more storage for stallholders.

"I can stand on my stall and speak to 10 different people from different nationalities and backgrounds in the space of 20 minutes," he said.

"There's a great community. Everyone will help you out. Everyone is fantastic."

Edwin Press - The Bikeman

Edwin Press would like to see the whole market covered with a roof

Originally from Latvia, Edwin Press, 36, has run the Bikeman bicycle repair stall for 6 years.

He appreciates the location of the market and the student community but would like to see the whole market covered.

"It's a good location for us because we're close to all the major colleges, it's very central," he said.

"Everybody seems to be very friendly to each other.

"What would be a massive improvement would be a hug roof on top so we can work in the rain. Every customer and stall would benefit from it."

And what do the visitors think?

Shoppers in Market Square, Cambridge (Image: David Johnson)

The News caught musician Ciaran Forrow, 22, his sister Helena Forrow, 31, tucking into some food on the market.

Ciaran said: "I'm only really interested in the food. I some times get second hand books. I think it's pretty decent. I wouldn't say there's anything missing. There's quite a few tourist places but that's got to be expected.

Helena added: "I like the food stalls, people are friends and have banter with each other. Maybe there could be more areas to sit around the outside - a couple of benches.

Also grabbing a bite to eat nearby were third year university students Pelayo Martinez and Lucia Azzi.

Lucia said: "You can come with friends and its easy to get what you want. It's nice at Christmas when the put up all the lights. It would be nice to have some places to sit down.

Pelayo commented: "I like the food. If you come at lunchtime it's full of students."

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One Cambridge couple, who did not want to be named, appreciated how the market had retained its character over the years.

A retiree said: "I do enjoy being her. I'm so please that its still got a staples thing. There are still places to get fruit and veg it's still a working market rather than novelties and tourist attractions.

"I'd hate it to turn into a theme park.

His partner added: "It's an interesting mix. You can buy fruit and vegetables and other quirky things like the sweet shop and other vendors - the hemp stall and pottery."

"The markets really add something unique to life in the city centre for residents and visitors alike. I would urge everyone to take the time to vote for them as Britain’s Favourite Market."

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